We have good pest management information and research. The challenge can be to get that information to the farmers who need it.
Earlier this summer, a smartphone app was launched called Pest Manager. Currently, only information on weeds and weed management is included, so I tell farmers it’s what you would get if a weed identification book and the Guide to Weed Control had a child who grew up to be really into gadgets and technology.
Disease and insect information will be added this fall.
Pests can be searched by name or through the use of a key. Any pest can be added to a user’s list of frequently encountered pests. With the maps feature, pests can also be added to a geographic location.
Management options can be searched for in corn, soybeans and cereals. These options are currently only pesticide related. Integrated pest management options will be added in future versions.
Pesticide options are ranked by their average control of all pests selected. When a pesticide treatment is selected, a number of fields will be displayed with information for the appropriate use of the pesticide. If a user wants to look up information on a specific pesticide, they can do so in the pesticide information section.
Probably the easiest way to download this app is to do a Google search for “pest manager app.” Currently this app is only available for Apple (iOS) devices (iPad, iPhone, iPod touch) but an Android version is in the works and will be released this year.
If you have any constructive feedback, please let me know.
This app is only applicable for Ontario and does not replace a pesticide label. It is the user’s responsibility when using a pesticide to ensure that all directions on the label are followed.
This app is a co-operative effort between OMAFRA and the Grain Farmers of Ontario. Funding was provided through the Growing Forward 2 program, a partnership between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
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Have a question you want answered? Hashtag #PestPatrol on Twitter to @cowbrough or email Mike.
